How to SAVE $$ with Annual State Camping Passes!

LOOKING TO SAVE $$ CAMPING???

When planning a trip through multiple states, it is worth the time to check what sorts, if any Annual State Park Passes states may offer.

State passes vary.

Some only exempt or discount day pass entry fees, others discount camping fees, and the entry fee is waived.

If you or your travel companion is a veteran or disabled veteran, more passes and discounts may be available. NOTE:  Some states may only grant an entry fee ONLY discount to the veteran pass holder, not companion. In other words, the entry fee is by individual, not vehicle.

NATIONAL PARK PASS -BONUS USE!

Some states also will discount camping fees IF you have a National Park Senior ( or Lifetime) Pass (Luise does!) or it’s predecessor the Golden Age Pass. If you are 62 or older, getting this Lifetime Pass is a no-brainer!! We have saved $100’s of dollars every year on camping fees and entry fees to National Parks, National Historic sites, and even certain Highway tolls like Skyline Drive (VA) and Icefields Parkway in Canada!

At a quick glance, states like Louisana, Arkansas, and Maryland already honor your NPS Senior Lifetime Pass- so you can get free entry AND 1/2 price on camping fees at their state parks!

To get started to get your NPS Senior pass pass click below!

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/senior-pass-changes.htm

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/senior-pass-changes.htm

NPS also has annual camping passes (if under age 62) and Veteran Passes. Look into the annual NPS Camping Pass for sure if your travels have you desiring to camp at NPS campgrounds!

Kevin has the NPS Vet Pass (it offers no discounts on camping) but so far, it has rarely come out better for us to use that over my NPS Lifetime Sr. Pass. If he were to go to a national park or national historic site that has an entry fee and I was not along, then he would use his pass.

By the way, NPS passes include any companion traveling with you!  We saves 50% on our guided cave tours at Mammoth Caves NP in KY in 2021!

JUST TRAVELING A SHORT TIME?

We know not everyone who reads this spends all their time traveling by RV. Many of our friends travel around the USA by car and chose to do hotel stays. That’s perfectly fine too but you TOO can save a bundle by purchasing just an Annual NPS Park Pass! It will get you free admissions, discounted tickets for tours etc. Depending on what National historic sites and national parks (and how many you plan visit in a 12 month period) you can treat yourself to a fabulous dinner out for every park you visit through the $$ your pass will save you!

HOW ABOUT MORE ON STATE CAMPING PASSES?

Recently, I also stumbled on this while doing some research!

This is a great starting off point if you are looking into getting discounts on camping fees or perhaps a veterans discount.

The list is state-by-state. 

Bookmark this and save!!
https://www.tripsavvy.com/state-park-entrance-passes-3362306#:~:text=The%20state%20park%20entrance%20pass,not%20offer%20an%20entrance%20pass.

WHAT STATES DO YOU HAVE PASSES WITH ALREADY??
Or…

Have you used state passes or Veteran passes to save money camping in the past travel year?

We used Kevin’s Disabled Vet Camping Pass while in Alaska last summer. It saved us over $135 and cost nothing to get, besides showing proper documentation. We received a temp pass we could show and our official decal for the windshield came in the mail before we left. It’s good for 5 years too! 

We just got our disabled veteran pass for the state of Oregon. It is good until 2034! Let’s hope we are still camping then-wouldn’t that be grand at 75 yrs old!  The process for OR required filling out an online application and uploading his VA documentation.

A word about Resident versus Non-Resident:

Many states have pass fees broken out by Resident and non-resident. Obviously, a non-resident fee will be more, and you will need to determine if it’s worth it for you depending on how many camping nights you plan to have in that state in a 12-month period. For example, a NM non-resident camping pass in 2024 season is $225. Based on the Uber of nights in NM state parks we will have this year, it’s not worth it, but in a future year, it may be!

Many states only issue senior and veteran discount passes if you are a resident of that state. Bummer, but understandable. Some states have passes unique for low income, POW or 100% DAV.

Most state passes I have researched are for 12 months from the date of issue or purchase. Be careful when researching as some may be by calendar year! Plan your purchase accordingly to get the most use for your camping lifestyle/season.

So it’s time to get researching! Look at what states you plan to visit this year…and next!

Create a game plan to save you on camping fees!!

Happy & safe travels!

Luise